Operalia - Placido Domingo's International Voice Competition

OPERALIA - Plácido Domingo's International Vocal Competition
phone: 202.775.1401 ext. 1513
fax: 202.775.1404

Forty Singers from Four Continents Selected Among 900 Candidates to Compete in OPERALIA for Chance at World Recognition
Plácido Domingo's International Vocal Competition Comes to Washington, D.C. for First Time October 1- 7

Washington, D.C. (Wednesday, August 15, 2001) -- World famous tenor, Plácido Domingo will hold his 9th annual international vocal competition, OPERALIA, for the first time in Washington, D.C. beginning Monday, October 1 and culminating on Sunday, October 7 with the "Finals Concert" at George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium beginning at 4 p.m.

The competition will be judged by 12 international jury members: Jean-Pierre Brossmann (France) General Director, The Theatre du Chatelet in Paris; Juan Cambreleng (Spain) General Director, Teatro Real de Madrid; John Fisher (England) Director of Music Administration, The Metropolitan Opera; Thierry Fouquet (France) General Director, The Grand Theatre de Bordeaux; Heinz Fricke (Germany) Music Director; The Washington Opera; Peter Katona (Germany) Director of Casting, The Royal Opera House Covent Garden; Evelyn Lear (U.S) world-renowned soprano; Pal Christian Moe (Norway) Artistic Administrator, Opera Bastille, Paris; Jean-Louis Pichon (France) General Director, Opera de St. Etienne, France; Helga Schmidt (Austria) Director, Palacio de Las Artes in Valencia; Thomas Stewart (U.S.) world-renowned baritone; and Eva Wagner (Germany) Artistic Consultant, The Metropolitan Opera and Aix-en-Provence Festival. Mr. Domingo is the non- voting president of the jury.

The 40 contestants from around the world will head to the nation's capital to audition in preliminary rounds throughout the week of October 1. Of these 40 singers, 10 will be selected to compete in the "Finals Concert" on October 7. During the "Finals Concert" each contestant will sing under the baton of Mr. Domingo, Mr. Heinz Fricke and Mr. Giovanni Reggioli, and compete for prizes totaling $175,000 - donated every year by philanthropist Alberto Vilar. One woman and one man will receive the special Zarzuela prize, donated by Mr. Domingo in honor of his mother, Pepita and his father, Don Placido, both great stars of the Zarzuela. In addition, the "Prize of the Public" tallied from audience votes, is awarded and donated by a Washington personality. The top five winners of the contest will have the opportunity to perform with Mr. Domingo at a January 19, 2002 Gala Concert at the Kennedy Center.

Among OPERALIA's generous sponsors, we would like to thank Alberto Vilar, Rolex Watch USA, Spanair, Guillermo and Bertita Martinez, Gov. and Mrs. Miguel Aleman, and Pepita Serrano.

OPERALIA, founded by Mr. Domingo in 1993, is one of the most prestigious international competitions for opera singers who are in the early stages of their careers. The winners of the contest not only receive cash awards and recognition, but most importantly Mr. Domingo is actively involved in their careers - offering advice and guidance.

"Through OPERALIA my goal is to pave the way for young artists by helping them overcome obstacles through exposure to the finest professionals," says Mr. Domingo. "There are beautiful and interesting voices to be found all over the world, but young singers frequently lack proper vocal and dramatic direction as well as effective career guidance. My purpose is to contribute in identifying the best voices but, above all, individuals whose personality, character and powers of interpretation show promise of the finished artist. Individuals such as these become tomorrow's stars."

This year's contestants are from Armenia, Australia, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Moldavia, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States and Yugoslavia. All OPERALIA winners have gone on to major engagements, including: Orlin Anastassov (Bulgaria); Oxana Arkaeva (Ukraine); Ainhoa Arteta (Spain); Jose Cura (Argentina); Joyce DiDonato (U.S.); Giuseppe Filianoti (Italy); Elizabeth Futral (U.S.); He Hui (China); Carla Maria Izzo (Italy); Chang Yong Liao (China); Aquiles Machado (Venezuela); Ana Maria Martinez (U.S.); Inva Mula (Albania); John Osborn (U.S.); Erwin Schrott (Uruguay); Nina Stemme (Sweden); Lynette Tapia (U.S.) Dimitra Theodossiou (Greece); Virginia Tola (Argentina); and Rolando Villazon (Mexico).

"Nothing gives me more joy than witnessing the beginning of a promising opera career," says Vilar, a major supporter of OPERALIA and noted performing arts patron. "This contest has made it possible for a number of young opera singers to launch their careers and pursue their dream of singing opera."

Previous OPERALIA contests have been held in Paris, Mexico City, Madrid, Bordeaux, Tokyo, Hamburg, San Juan and Los Angeles.

Ticket Information Tickets for the "Finals Concert" range from $25 to $100 and may be purchased through Ticketmaster by phone at 202.432.SEAT; 703.573.SEAT; 410.481.SEAT or online at www.tickemaster.

Source: Operalia

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